FlexE–Ethernet Neighbor Negotiation for Link Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network bearer devices, such as FlexE and traditional Ethernet (ETH) devices, face communication failures due to mismatched configuration sequences, leading to disconnection during interconnection.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for network intercommunication based on neighbor negotiation, involving switching between link modes (e.g., FlexE and ETH) through a first mode to a second mode, sending switching requests, and responding to confirm mode changes, using extended LLDP messages for efficient communication establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If FlexE port operates after hierarchical port configuration, then FlexE port can achieve proper encapsulation and physical layer configuration, but direct intercommunication with traditional Ethernet devices fails due to configuration sequence mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the FlexE device temporarily switch to Ethernet mode before the peer device is fully configured. This preliminary mode switching enables the peer device to send configuration requests and establish initial connectivity, allowing the FlexE hierarchical configuration to complete successfully while maintaining intercommunication capability throughout the process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the FlexE port mode flexible and switchable between Ethernet mode and FlexE mode. The port can dynamically change its operational mode based on the configuration stage and peer device readiness, enabling seamless transition from initial Ethernet-based connectivity to final FlexE-based operation
2Productivity
If Ethernet device is upgraded to FlexE bearer device, then network can benefit from FlexE encapsulation improvements, but existing network elements become disconnected due to configuration sequence issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses Ethernet mode as an intermediary state during the upgrade process. The FlexE device temporarily operates in Ethernet mode to serve as a compatible intermediary that can communicate with existing network elements, allowing them to send configuration requests and maintain connectivity while the upgrade to full FlexE operation proceeds
3Ease of manufacture
If FlexE hierarchical configuration is implemented, then service message encapsulation is improved, but configuration complexity increases leading to intercommunication failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the peer device to automatically send configuration requests and negotiate parameters through the extended LLDP protocol. This automated self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration sequencing, reducing the impact of configuration complexity while maintaining proper FlexE hierarchical setup
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for achieving network intercommunication based on neighbor negotiation are disclosed. The method may include: switching a link mode from a first mode to a second mode; sending, to a to-be-connected device, a switching request for switching from the second mode to the first mode; and switching the second mode back to the first mode in response to receiving a response sent by the to-be-connected device, the response being used to indicate that the to-be-connected device is to be switched to the first mode.